On the recordMay 17, 2018
I recognize National Police Week; however, every day I am aware that officers protect and serve, put their lives on the line each day they serve, and some give their lives for that service. I also recognize what officers realize, that their sacrifice and service is for everybody: people they know and don't know, and people who love them and people who hate them. That is a big part of why our officers should be recognized, because no matter who it is, no matter what the danger is, police are trained to and police do what we naturally don't do as civilians: they run towards the danger, not away from it. As a former prosecutor, I worked with many law enforcement officers that I will never forget. More importantly, there are victims and victims' family members who will never forget the service of police, including the family of Azahel Cruz, a 6-year-old that was killed in a drive-by shooting. The case went unsolved for 5 years; however, due to the dogged determination of Officer Tom Larkin and DA Investigator Peter Austin, witnesses were found, evidence was presented, I proved the case at trial, and a murderer was convicted and removed from the streets for good. Police work will never replace the life of Azahel, but that service and the service and sacrifice of our officers is exactly why we recognize our police officers this week. ____________________
